There is an old saying “Knowledge is Power” and that is certainly true about many things but especially important when you begin to collect paperweights. While paperweight collecting is continuous and a joyously ongoing process, there are a number of reference books that should be beside every collector as they develop their collections.

Many of the great ‘classic’ paperweight reference books may be out of print at any point it time – the good news is that they are quite regularly featured by the PCA, Inc. Registered Dealers as well as on the popular internet book sellers and on-line auction sites. The problem of ‘which reference books to buy’ is a good one and we surveyed many of our collectors in 2003 to determine several lists for books that ranged from the ‘must have’ to the esoteric, intended for the advanced collector. The results of that survey are available for downloading as a .pdf file: RecommendedBookList (PDF:88KB).

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Some of the most useful books for the beginning and intermediate collector are shown below (although even the most experienced collectors constantly refer to them). The covers shown may not always be what you will find: many of the books are sold on the internet without dust jackets. The books are not shown to scale.

Paul Hollister
Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights:

One of the first reference books printed that attempted to cover the whole area of glass paperweights. Some areas have received significant research since publication and the information has been updated. It still is a ‘must have’ reference and a very valuable and interesting book to read and an excellent reference for paperweight collectors.

Hardback version shown:
© 1969
Library of Congress Number: 68-14080

Paperback version shown: ISBN 0-933756-10-0

George Kulles

Identifying Antique Paperweights:
Millefiore
Identifying Antique Paperweights:
Lampworked
Identifying Antique Paperweights:
Less Familiar

The pictured book is one of three “must have” reference books written by this well known author and speaker. These volumes provide thoughtful, detailed information and insight on how to identify the maker of paperweights by reviewing the “inside” information – the information provided by the millefiore or lampwork living in the paperweight.

Paperback version shown:
© 1985
ISBN 0-933756-07-0

John D. Hawley
The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies

Some of the most attractive and interesting paperweights made in the classical American period of the last half of the 1800s were made at the Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies. This is the first and best reference about these two great factories.

Hardcover version shown:
© 1997
ISBN: 0-933756-26-7

Collaborative Effort
Glass Paperweights of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum

One of the most exciting collections of paperweights on public display is the Bergstrom collection displayed at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah, Wisconsin. This book contains over 1,000 good photographs of paperweights and paperweight objects with identification and short descriptions of each item. Excellent reference and wonderful eye-candy.

Hardcover version shown:
© 1989
ISBN: 0-927997-002

Sibylle Jargstorf
Paperweights

This book contains a wealth of information and photographs about European paperweights and paperweight objects. Several maps help locate factories and their inter-relationships with each other. Some great photographs of what are currently called “Bohemian” paperweights.

Hardcover version shown:
© 1991
Library of Congress Number:
91-67014
ISBN: 0-88740-375-1

Lawrence H. Selman
Collectors’ Paperweights Price Guide and Catalogue

The book illustrated is one of many by this well known author, speaker, and paperweight dealer. This particular book illustrates many paperweights and provides a “then current” pricing (retail) for most types of paperweights. Any of the many Selman publications will provide information valuable to a collector.

Paperback version shown:
© 1986
ISBN: 0-933756-11-9

Anne Metcalfe
Paperweights of the 19th & 20th Centuries: A Collector’s Guide

This very low-cost reference book is ideal to stuff in your backpack or tote when you visit the flea-market or other venue where a quick look up of may be able to separate a treasure from something that isn’t.

Paperback version shown:
© 2000
ISBN 0-84000-309-x